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los poblanos historic inn and organic farm
IN ALBUQUERQUE, A FAMILY PRESERVES A PIECE OF HISTORY AT A STORYBOOK INN AND WORKING FARM
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PHOTOS: OPPOSITE, TOP BY VLADPHOTO, BOTTOM COURTESY LOS POBLANOS; THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP BY TOM KILROY, SALVADOR, WALTER GILBERT, MIKE CRANE
SURROUNDED BY 25 ACRES OF LAVENDER FIELDS,
cottonwood groves and gardens in the village of Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, New Mexico, Los Poblanos has been drawing visitors since the 1930s, when congressman Albert Simms and his wife, Ruth Hannah McCormick Simms, purchased the then-800-acre ranch and commissioned the region’s foremost architect, John Gaw Meem, to create a cultural center to host their political and community events. The Simms’ vision for a lively gathering place lives on today at Los Poblanos, thanks to the ongoing efforts of three generations of the Rembe family, who not only purchased and reunited parcels of the original ranch, saving them from redevelopment, but worked to restore and preserve the property’s original architecture, artwork, agricultural fields and formal gardens. These days, guests can quite literally enjoy the fruits of the Rembes’ labors, harvested daily at Los Poblanos’ organic farm, which provides produce to the inn’s kitchen as well as a local CSA, and also cultivates lavender and honeybees. The original Simms residence now serves as a small inn, and the La Quinta Cultural Center still hosts celebrations, meetings and educational and cultural events. >>
STORY BY CHRISTINE DEORIO
IF YOU GO Los Poblanos offers some of the most unique guest experiences in the West, from a class on raising barnyard animals to a knitting club and trips to the onsite lavender fields, where you can pick your own fragrant bundle. Check the online events calendar for the latest lineup. PRICE POINT From $150 per night for a standard Ranch House room in the historic inn, and $178 per night for a Farm Suite. CONTACT 505-344-9297, lospoblanos.com
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Get inspired
Eat (really) well
Designed in 1932 by architect John Gaw Meem, known as the “Father of Santa Fe Style,” the inn and La Quinta Cultural Center are adorned with artwork by some of the finest artists of the time, including a fresco by Peter Hurd, handcarved doors and mantels by Gustave Baumann, tin light fixtures by Robert Woodman and ironwork by Walter Gilbert. Famed landscape architect Rose Greely designed the property’s formal Spanish-style gardens, tile fountains and cottonwood allée.
What’s the best part about a stay at Los Poblanos? Breakfast, according to many guests. Each morning, organic fruits, vegetables, eggs and honey are harvested from the onsite farm, turned into stews and hashes, blintzes and compotes, then served up in the inn’s charming dining room. Light evening meals are served Wednesdays through Saturdays, and “Field to Fork” cooking classes and sevencourse chef’s tasting dinners take place throughout the year.
Sleep tight
Blow off steam Swim in the saltwater pool, explore the Rio Grande River trail on a cruiser bike, learn to make artisanal cocktails or pickled vegetables at a cooking class, sign up for an aromatherapy workshop or indulge in an in-room massage. Or, satisfy your inner farmer by volunteering at the organic farm, where you can harvest produce, milk goats, gather eggs, and pick up a few gardening tips from Farmer Sean.
PHOTOS: OPPOSITE BY MIKE CRANE; THIS PAGE, TOP LEFT BY SALVADOR, CENTER BY JASMINE NICOLE, TOP RIGHT BY JUDSON RHODES, ALL OTHERS COURTESY LOS POBLANOS
Twenty simple yet stylish guest rooms show off New Mexico’s classic style with inviting wood-burning fireplaces, carved ceiling beams and antique New Mexican furnishings, and open to courtyards and the property’s historic gardens. Cozy up to a kiva fireplace in the original John Gaw Meem-designed ranch house, or opt for a bright, airy suite in a 1930s dairy-style building with pitched tin roof.
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How to spend a day at Los Poblanos 7 AM
Take an early-morning walk around the farm. It’s the best time for bird-watching and hot-air-balloon spotting.
8 AM
Head to the dining room for a gourmet farm-to-table breakfast featuring organic ingredients fresh from the fields.
9 AM
Play a quick game of bocce before taking a refreshing dip in the saltwater pool.
10 AM
Grab a gelato from the Farm Shop, head over to the barnyard and see if Farmer Christine needs help milking the cow.
12 PM
Borrow a cruiser bike and pedal down to the neighborhood cafe. After lunch, head back to Los Poblanos for a nap in the shade of an old cottonwood tree.
7 PM
End the day with a farm-fresh La Merienda dinner in the inn’s dining room. Be sure to arrive early for a glass of wine in the flower-filled courtyard! ○
more
Visit mountainliving.com/lospoblanos for a few of guests’ favorite farm-to-table recipes.
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